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Dr Chee



Singapore opposition leader cites official persecution
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The Singapore opposition politician, Chee Soon Juan, who is on trial for
giving a public speech without permission, has accused the authorities
of persecuting him.

Mr Chee - who heads the Singapore Democratic Party - told the court that
he had been denied permits for making public addresses, while similar
requests from members of the ruling People's Action Party are routinely
approved.

Mr Chee said the political system is designed to make it hard for the
opposition to be heard.

The government says the permit laws are designed to maintain public
order and do not affect free speech.

>From the newsroom of the BBC World Service